As the war in Ukraine reached its fourth bloody day, the International Judo Federation took a stand against one of its biggest advocates.
In a statement released early Sunday, the IJF stripped Russian President Vladimir Putin of his status as the organization’s honorary president.
“In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation,” the statement reads.
Putin authorized the unprovoked invasion of neighboring Ukraine on Thursday. As of Sunday, fighting in the country left 352 Ukrainian civilians dead and another 1,684 injured, according to figures released by Ukraine Ministry of Interior. Fourteen of the dead are children as are 116 of the injured, according to the data. The toll doesn’t account for military casualties.
Putin’s passion for judo
Putin has a blackbelt in judo and co-authored a 2004 book titled “Judo: History, Theory, Practice.” He attended judo competition at the 2012 London Olympics and enthusiastically celebrated Russian Tagir Khaibulaev’s gold-medal run at 100 kg.
Sunday’s statement follows a Friday decision by the IJF to cancel the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia that was slated to take place in May. IJF president Marius L. Vizer signed the statement titled “Judo for Peace.”
“We, the sports community, must remain united and strong, to support each other and our universal values, in order to always promote peace and friendship, harmony and unity,” the statement reads.
“The judo family hopes that the current unrest can be solved in the last moment, to re-establish normality and stability in Eastern Europe and the world, to once again be able to focus on the diverse cultures, history and legacy of Europe, in the most positive way.”
The IJF stance aligns with others in the international sports community against the Russian aggression. Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic announced their intent to refuse any men’s soccer games against Russia during qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, former world champion Ukrainian boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko and Vasiliy Lomachenko have either vowed to or taken up arms for their home country in defense against the Russian invasion.
